India’s ambitious attempt to combat Delhi’s severe air pollution through cloud seeding has been met with skepticism and disappointment. The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, involved spraying particles like silver iodide and salt into clouds from a Cessna aircraft to induce rainfall, which could potentially wash away pollutants. However, the first trials last week yielded minimal rainfall due to insufficient cloud cover, casting doubt on the method’s effectiveness. Environmental activists and scientists have criticized the approach, labeling it a ‘costly spectacle’ that fails to address the root causes of pollution. Delhi, home to 30 million residents, faces a recurring winter smog crisis, with emissions from farm fires, factories, and vehicles trapped by cold air. Despite interventions like vehicle restrictions and smog towers, the city’s air quality remains among the worst globally. A day after the trial, PM2.5 levels soared to 323, 20 times the World Health Organization’s daily limit. Critics argue that cloud seeding, even if successful, offers only temporary relief, as pollution levels rebound quickly. Long-term solutions, such as cleaner fuels, better waste management, and stricter emission controls, are deemed essential. The debate continues as authorities defend the trials as part of a broader research process, while experts call for a focus on sustainable measures.